Luxury Family Holidays Handpicked for Parents

Langkawi

Bon Ton, Langkawi

The Andaman Langkawi beach

Four Seasons Langkawi bedroom

From Penang, a short hop of a flight to the nearby, picturesque island of Langkawi for luxury family holidays takes less than half an hour and it is there that one feels ensconced in the true Malaysia. The dense interior jungle and rainforest are a firm nod to the country’s original topographical nature, while the shoreline is dotted with a heady mix of small boutique hotel's and larger, extremely luxurious names that offer a mass of family-friendly facilities, children's clubs, excellent restaurants, sensational spas and stunning stretches of private beach. They will, quite literally, envelope you in their five-star arms.

A stunning hotel on the Datai Bay, The Andaman seeks to please all the family with its endless array of activities that really make the most of its stunning seaside, jungle location.

Located on a pristine beach along the northern edge of the island is The Andaman Langkawi. Overlooking Thai mountains in the distance across from the Datai Bay where this stunning, luxurious and very family-friendly hotel resides, there is nothing you’ll want for at this beauty that perches out from a jungle...

Totally unique properties on Langkawi's west coast, Bon Ton and Temple Tree must be seen to be believed.

Heading North up Pantai Chenang from Chenang Beach on the island’s west coast sit magical Bon Ton and Temple Tree resorts. The former is literally a series of antique stilted fisherman’s homes, reconstructed on the property and beautifully decorated by one of the owners. Temple Tree, right next door, is a series...

The idyllic Four Seasons, Langkawi sees luxury meet the beach with a bang.

The restaurants and bars of the Four Seasons Langkawi venture are buzzing; the delicate interiors do little to detract from the awe-inspiring views and apartment-sized rooms; each one comes with a huge stone bathroom leading to an outdoor hot tub or shower. Flooring throughout the property is carefully constructed...

Shaded by palm trees, Red Tomato Beach Splash Cafe is run by ex-pats and serves lots of tasty, Western favourites that will delight children wanting a break from the spice. Pizzas, bruschetta, and toasted sandwiches are the order of the day and breakfast is served all day long to those who want it.

Though located within the gorgeous environs of the island’s Four Seasons resort, Ikan Ikan is causal and extremely inviting. The name means fish in Malay and, unsurprisingly, there’s lots of that on the menu. This super relaxed beachfront pavilion is designed to reflect a traditional Malaysian home and the open-air teak decking area is right on the beachside. Though the bulk of the menu offers traditional Malay food, there is lots on there for children including fun barbecue items and toasted s’mores that can be enjoyed by tiki torch light.

Bon Ton and its neighbour Temple Tree are both mentioned as recommended places to stay but we simply had to include them as a recommended place to eat in case you don’t stay there. Quite simply, they do the most fantastic Laksa. Their version of the spicy noodle soup is simply moorish. Not only that, the restaurant is a colourful mixture of local, handcrafted wooden furniture splattered with citrus silk cushions, which makes it inviting, relaxed and perfect if travelling with children. Their menu features children’s items and there is lots of grass around the open-air restaurant where little ones are welcome to run around, though the numerous cats that wander the property will also keep them happy for hours.

If you’ve the stomach for it, the Langkawi cable car is a wonderful experience. Taking you over 700 metres above sea level it’ll give you panoramic and extremely breathtaking views across the island, above the jungle canopies, and out to see.

Underwater World

With over 4000 species, this is the largest aquarium in Malaysia and not short on both freshwater and marine life for children to stare at. This is perfect if the children have had too much sun or the rains have kicked in.

Cenang Beach

Although a little tourist-filled at times, this is a great beach for families because the water is clear and shallow, the beach is fairly wide and there are lots of water sports and activities taking place for older children. Little restaurants pepper the edge of the beach so there are lots of lunch options and sellers carry boxes of fresh fruit for healthy seaside snacking.

Langkawi Wildlife Park

Langkawi’s very own zoo, this wildlife park also arranges tours through the local mangrove jungle. There are guides to take you through a proper tour of the zoo and help you and the family safely feed some of the animals.

Dial 999 from any phone for the police or emergency services. Medical care in Malaysia is of the highest quality and run along parallel public and private sectors. The large majority of doctors and medical personnel speak English and hospital facilities are immaculate, especially in urban areas. Langkawi has one main hospital and the services provided are good but, for anything serious, patients are still generally transported to either Penang or the mainland, Alor Star. What is noteworthy is that the hospital doesn’t have a helicopter to transfer serious cases so patients have to go by ferry to Alor Star and then on to Penang by road if necessary, unless you carrying medical insurance that will arrange for holders to be airlifted out, of course. Hospital Daerah Langkawi on Langkawi is located at Jalan Bukit Teguh (+604 966 3333). Some of the country’s more rural areas carry a small Malarial risk but in cities such as Kuala Lumpur there is no need to worry at all. It is generally recommended that you have the Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations before heading to Malaysia so consult with your doctor where your children are concerned before travelling to remote parts of the country.

When to go

April to October is the dry season, with June to September being the hottest months and seeing the least rainfall. The weather is less predictable in the monsoon season. Chinese New Year is an extremely fun to visit for all the celebrations that take place across the island.